As a family dentist in Nederland, TX, we provide quality dental care for patients of all ages. This includes specialized pediatric care for our littlest patients. Our comprehensive general dentistry services provide dental solutions for patients of all ages. Our dentists have training for child patients, ensuring they get the best care possible.
Choosing a Pediatric Dentist in Nederland, TX
When looking for a family dentist, one specializing in pediatric care is essential for the younger family members. Pediatric care starts in infancy and continues throughout the teenage years. A pediatric dentist ensures that your mouth grows and develops properly into adulthood. Children’s smiles change significantly, and correcting problems is easier as the mouth develops.
Creating good oral health habits in childhood extends throughout their lifetimes. When they get into the routine of brushing their teeth regularly, it becomes something that it would be weird to miss. It increases the chances of them having good oral health in the future. They won’t likely need intensive, expensive care for more severe dental problems.
It also lessens the chance of them succumbing to dental fear in the future. They’ll already be used to the sights and sounds of the dentist office, lessening some patients’ shock. They’re less likely to need intensive procedures, so they also don’t need to fear those. They can get comfortable dental care throughout their entire lives.
A Child’s First Dental Visit
You should start bringing your child to the dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or before they reach a year of age, whichever comes first. We want to ensure your child’s oral development starts the right way. It’s important to us that we start a good patient-dentist relationship. Our specialized training has helped us become proficient in comfortable care for the youngest patients.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is toddlers and young children’s most common dental problem. Their diets are higher in sugar, and they aren’t as adept at brushing their teeth thoroughly. We educate both child and parent on the best brushing techniques, getting children used to flossing, and advice on children’s diet and use of nursing, a bottle, or a sippy cup. This ensures you have a foundation for proper oral care for your toddler.
Primary teeth are incredibly important, even though children eventually lose them.
Even with semi-diligent care, cavities are possible. We offer dental sealants for younger patients to provide an extra way to fight against cavities. The dentist paints this material on the cusps on your molars and other areas that are most common to get cavities. It dries a thin, plastic layer, creating another barrier for harmful bacteria. Decay has to fight through sealant layers and into the tooth enamel to start causing problems.
Treating Older Children
As your children grow into adolescence and teenage years, orthodontic concerns become prevalent. Permanent teeth are descending and becoming what will be their permanent smile. We offer clear braces to treat crooked teeth subtly. In some cases, more intensive treatment is needed. We’ll also refer patients to a trusted local orthodontist to ensure they have a straight, even smile.
Wisdom teeth also become a problem in the late teen years. Most mouths are too small to have adequate room for these extra molars. We monitor the development of your wisdom teeth to determine how they’ll impact your smile. Most of the time, we recommend wisdom tooth removal. This eliminates them causing problems with crooked and cramped teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some frequently asked questions about pediatric dentists and what they do.
What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?
A general dentist treats patients of all ages and handles a variety of dental issues. Pediatric dentists, on the other hand, focus on treating children from infancy through their teenage years. We receive extra training in child psychology, growth, and development to better care for young patients. Moreover, pediatric dentists make their offices more child-friendly to help kids feel comfortable during visits.
Do children get put to sleep for tooth extraction?
Dentists don’t always put children to sleep for tooth extractions. We often use local anesthesia for simple extractions. For complex cases or anxious children, we’ll recommend options from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia. The choice depends on the child’s age, health, and the complexity of the extraction. We discuss all options with parents to ensure the child’s comfort and safety.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, dental X-rays are usually safe for children. We use low-dose radiation and protective gear like lead aprons. Modern digital X-rays expose kids to even less radiation than traditional films. Moreover, we take X-rays only when necessary. The benefits of detecting hidden dental problems outweigh the minimal risks. Regular X-rays help us catch issues early, preventing more serious problems later.
Is tooth decay normal in toddlers?
Tooth decay in toddlers is common but not normal. Poor oral hygiene and dietary habits often cause it. Sugary drinks and frequent snacking increase the risk of cavities. Moreover, parents should start cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as they appear. Regular dental check-ups help catch and prevent decay early.
Is it normal for a 2-year-old to lose a tooth?
A 2-year-old losing a tooth is not normal. Children usually start losing baby teeth around age 6. Early tooth loss in toddlers often results from injury or severe decay. If your 2-year-old loses a tooth, contact a dentist immediately. We’ll examine the cause and discuss potential treatments.
Why does my child need dental sealants?
Dental sealants help prevent cavities by sealing out food and bacteria. We often recommend sealants for children when their permanent molars come in. They work incredibly well for kids prone to cavities or those with deep grooves in their teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
Get your child the quality dental care they need. Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.